Serving as an ode to LSU’s musical students and faculty, the renovations being done in the School of Music Recital Hall will ensure concerts and recitals are executed to the highest forms within all production details. From auditory improvements to visual enhancements, the space beckons all patrons to come forward to witness musical magnificence.
Opening originally in 1984, the Recital Hall closed its doors in the 2025 fall semester to sanction its official renovations. With the space usually holding a wide variety of concerts and recitals, it is fitting for it to receive a complete modernization with a cost of an estimated $3.5 million.
The renovations’ costs are credited to donors John Turner and Jerry Fisher, and the venue will be renamed to the John Turner and Jerry Fisher Recital Hall as a thanks to their generosity.
Dean of the College of Music and Dramatic Arts Eric Lau explained how construction of the hall involves gutting the entire space.
“We’re starting over with a blank slate inside,” Lau said. “The purpose of the renovation is to focus primarily on improving the acoustics of the space.”
To accomplish this, the official renovation plans involve removing the structural walls and structural ceiling, interior ceiling, recording studio space and storage space. The various removals capture a wider volume range, allowing for an increase in acoustical options for performances held in the hall.
With a set objective for an expansion in acoustic choices, they are also adding variable acoustic treatments, such as curtains and banners that are able to fully extend and retract. Lau said that this is most ideal for the different kinds of instruments played, as acoustics can now be adjusted to best fit the performance.
The renovations will improve not only the acoustics but also the functionality. The space will have new lighting and seating, as well as a new platform for performers to stand on. Other additions include the capacity to livestream performances, speakers for sound reinforcement and a projector.
The number of seats will remain at 200, and the stage will be able to hold about 10 musicians at a time.
Since renovations are not set to finish until July 2026, students and faculty have had to utilize other performance spaces on campus. Some of those include rehearsal rooms, the Hans & Donna Sternberg Salon in The French House, and even St. Alban’s Chapel. However, Lau emphasized how renovations will be completed just in time to kick off the 2026 fall semester.
Performances held in the hall take many different forms in terms of their performers. Most students’ degree requirements involve multiple recitals they must perform in, and LSU faculty give a fair share of their own as well. Guest artists even come through and perform their own concerts.
“A solo violin, chamber ensembles of woodwind quintets or brass quintets, jazz combos; that’s the nature of the size of things that can happen in there,” said Lau.
With nearly 300 events a year, the School of Music’s biggest hope for the renovations is for guests to come and check them out. Lau said that the events are almost always free, and they are always open to the public.
“When this recital hall reopens, we will have a world-class space for our students to perform in, and our faculty and any guests we bring in,” said Lau. “We’re matching up the space to the talent of the people that will be performing there and giving them the absolute best venue that they can have to do their art.”
